Electronic file operation method and layout edition device

ABSTRACT

Selection of a main file and entry of the name of a package file, an output destination folder, etc., are accepted (step S 100 ), the files in the folder of the same name as the main file existing in the same folder as the selected main file are packaged as related files (step S 110 ), and the packaged files are output as a package file based on the entered name and the output destination folder (S 120 ). Consequently, a plurality of electronic files can be packaged for easy handling.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to an electronic file manipulation method and alayout edit apparatus and more particularly to a method used tomanipulate an electronic file and a layout edit apparatus for editingthe layout of an image area for displaying an image.

The invention also relates to an image processing system and method.

The invention also relates to a display data processing method, adisplay data structure, and a display data management method.

BACKGROUND ART

Hitherto, an apparatus for placing an image and a merge image area andediting the layout has been proposed as a layout edit apparatus. In theapparatus, to save the created layout, related electronic files such asan image file used for the layout are stored in a predetermined foldertogether with the electronic file of the layout.

Compression software for combining a plurality of electronic files intoone (for example, “LHA,” “WinZip,” etc.,) has been proposed as anelectronic file manipulation program. The program can compress data inthe selected electronic file and can package the selected electronicfiles into one archive.

However, with the layout edit apparatus, to use the saved layout withanother computer, etc., the generated electronic files must be allcopied for use and if the number of files is large, etc., a great dealof time and labor become necessary. The program such as the compressionsoftware described above can package a plurality of electronic filesinto one file, but the electronic files to be packaged must be selectedseparately and time and labor are required as a plurality of electronicfiles are copied.

It is an object of the invention to provide an electronic filemanipulation program that can package a plurality of electronic filesfor easy handling. It is an object of the invention to provide anelectronic file manipulation program for easily packaging andunpackaging a plurality of files. It is an object of the invention toprovide a layout edit apparatus for facilitating transfer of anelectronic file concerning a layout.

Hitherto, a program edit apparatus for outputting a layout definitionfile defining a layout for printing a digital image and a printer forprinting a digital image based on a layout definition file stored inremovable memory have been known (for example, refer to patent document1). In the invention in patent document 1, the program edit apparatusgenerates a setting program (layout definition file) setting the outputconditions (layout) of image data (digital image) and stores the settingprogram in a record medium, and the printer executes the setting programfor printing the image data based on the output conditions.

(Patent document 1)

JP-A-2001-45352

However, according to the program edit apparatus and the printerdisclosed in patent document 1, the digital image file representing adigital image and the layout definition file must be handled separatelyand therefore handling becomes burdensome and portability is degraded;this is a problem. For example, assume that one user wants to distributea digital image file and a layout definition file for displaying adigital image represented by the digital image file to friends eachhaving a printer in such a manner that the files are copied into arecord medium or are attached to electronic mail. In this case, if thedigital image file and the layout definition file are separate, time andlabor are required for copying or attaching the files and in addition,there is a possibility that an error of forgetting about copying onefile or the like may occur.

It is an object of the invention to provide an image processing systemand method, a layout edit method and apparatus, and a display dataprocessing method and apparatus for making it possible to improveportability of a digital image file and a layout definition file.

There is a possibility that information to be essentially used in onebody such as the digital image file and its layout definition filedescribed above may contain information corresponding to an illegal actif the information is used solely from the restriction of a copyright,etc. For example, a template for the user to merge a photo image forprint is made up of an image file representing an illustration and alayout definition file defining the layout of the illustration and thephoto image and the use limitation by copyright is set in theillustration. If use of the illustration is permitted only when theillustration is used with the template, it is necessary to inhibitso-called secondary use of the illustration such as diversion of theimage file representing the illustration to a document other than thetemplate or distribution of the image file representing the illustrationto other persons.

It is an object of the invention to provide a display data processingmethod and apparatus, a file data structure, and a display datamanagement method for making it possible to limit use of an imageelement.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

To accomplish the above-described object, an electronic filemanipulation method according to a first aspect of the invention is amethod used to manipulate an electronic file and includes a packagingstep of packaging a selected file and at least one related file relatedto the file into a single file and an unpackaging step of unpackagingthe package provided by packaging the files into the selected file andthe related file.

To accomplish the above-described object, a program according to thefirst aspect of the invention is a program used to manipulate anelectronic file and includes a packaging module for packaging a selectedfile and at least one related file related to the file into a singlefile and an unpackaging module for unpackaging the package provided bypackaging the files into the selected file and the related file.

In the first aspect of the invention, the selected file and the filerelated to the file are packaged into a single file. Therefore, thelater file manipulation can be facilitated. Moreover, packaging alsocontaining the related file can be accomplished simply by selecting onefile. The packaged files can be unpackaged into the original files.Consequently, the original files can be used for other purposes.

In the program according to the first aspect of the invention, therelated file is, for example, a file stored in the folder associatedwith the file name of the selected file.

In the program according to the first aspect of the invention, theunpackaging module is a module for unpackaging the selected file in aspecified folder, creating a folder associated with the file name of theselected file in the specified folder, and unpackaging the related filein the created folder, for example.

In the program according to the first aspect of the invention, therelated file is, for example, a file determined by the storage positionand the file name of the file described in the selected file.

In the program according to the first aspect of the invention, theunpackaging module is a module for unpackaging the selected file in aspecified folder, unpackaging the related file in a predeterminedfolder, and rewriting the storage position of the related file describedin the selected file as the file stored in the predetermined folder, forexample.

To accomplish the above-described object, an electronic filemanipulation method according to a second aspect of the invention is amethod used to manipulate an electronic file and includes a packagingstep of packaging a selected file and a file related to the file into asingle file.

To accomplish the above-described object, a program according to thesecond aspect of the invention is a program used to manipulate anelectronic file and includes a packaging module for packaging a selectedfile and a file related to the file into a single file.

In the second aspect of the invention, the selected file and the filerelated to the file are packaged into a single file. Therefore, thelater file manipulation can be facilitated. Moreover, packaging alsocontaining the related file can be accomplished simply by selecting onefile.

To accomplish the above-described object, an electronic filemanipulation method according to a third aspect of the invention is amethod used to manipulate an electronic file and includes a fileanalysis step of analyzing a package file into which a selected file anda file related to the file are packaged as a single file, as theselected file and the file related to the file.

To accomplish the above-described object, a program according to thethird aspect of the invention is a program used to manipulate anelectronic file and includes a file analysis module for analyzing apackage file into which a selected file and a file related to the fileare packaged as a single file, as the selected file and the file relatedto the file.

In the third aspect of the invention, the package file is analyzed asthe selected file and the related file before the files are packagedinto the package file. Therefore, the package file can be handled likethe files before being packaged into the package file.

To accomplish the above-described object, a layout edit apparatusaccording to a fourth aspect of the invention is a layout edit apparatusfor editing a layout of an image area for displaying an image andincludes layout edit means for placing at least one image and at leastone merge image area into which an image can be merged and editing alayout; and file manipulation means for manipulating a file using themethod according to the first aspect of the invention described above,wherein the file manipulation means is file manipulation means foradopting an information file containing information concerning placementof the image and the image area in the layout created and informationconcerning an image file used with the layout as the selected file andat least one file used with the layout as the related file.

In the layout edit apparatus according to the fourth aspect of theinvention, files are manipulated using the program according to thefirst aspect of the invention. Therefore, simply by selecting theinformation file concerning the created layout, the files used with thelayout can be packaged or unpackaged for executing file manipulation.Consequently, transfer of the files concerning the layout can befacilitated.

To accomplish the above-described object, a layout edit apparatusaccording to a fifth aspect of the invention is a layout edit apparatusfor editing a layout of an image area for displaying an image andincludes layout edit means for placing at least one image and at leastone merge image area into which an image can be merged and editing alayout; and file output means for outputting an information filecontaining information concerning placement of the image and the imagearea in the layout created and information concerning an image file usedwith the layout and at least one file used with the layout as a singlepackage file.

In the layout edit apparatus according to the fifth aspect of theinvention, the information file concerning the created layout and thefiles used with the layout are output as a package file. Therefore, thecreated file can be saved in a single file. Consequently, transfer ofthe files concerning the layout can be facilitated.

Such a layout edit apparatus can also be provided with separation outputmeans for separating the package file into the information file and theat least one file and outputting the files. In doing so, the packagefile can be separated into the files before being packaged.

To accomplish the above-described object, an image processing systemaccording to a sixth aspect of the invention is an image processingsystem including an image output apparatus for outputting a digitalimage file and a layout definition file for defining a layout to displaya digital image represented by the digital image file and an imagedisplay apparatus for displaying the digital image represented by theoutput digital image file based on the layout definition file,characterized in that the image output apparatus has packaging means forpackaging the digital image file and the layout definition file into asingle package file and output means for outputting the single packagefile, thereby outputting the digital image file and the layoutdefinition file, and that the image display apparatus has input meansfor inputting the output package file and unpackaging means foracquiring the digital image file and the layout definition file from theinput package file.

In the sixth aspect of the invention, the image display apparatus canacquire files from the package file, so that it is made possible for theimage output apparatus to output the digital image file and the layoutdefinition file as a package file. As the package file is output, forexample, the time and labor for copying or attachment to electronic mailcan be decreased in distributing and since only one file is to becopied, an error of forgetting about copying some files or the like canbe prevented. Therefore, according to the image processing system,portability of the digital image file and the layout definition file canbe improved.

Further, the image processing system according to the sixth aspect ofthe invention is characterized in that the image output apparatusfurther includes selection acceptance means for accepting selection of adigital image file and that the packaging means packages the digitalimage file selected through the selection acceptance means and thelayout definition file previously related to the selected digital imagefile. According to the image processing system, in packaging, only thedigital image file may be selected and the layout definition file neednot be selected. Thus, the packaging time and labor can be decreased.

Further, the image processing system according to the sixth aspect ofthe invention is characterized in that the output means outputs apackage file to removable memory and the input means inputs a packagefile from removable memory. According to the image processing system,removable memory can be used as a medium for transferring the packagefile.

Further, the image processing system according to the sixth aspect ofthe invention is characterized in that the output means outputs adigital image file and the package file into which the digital imagefile is packaged. For example, the person to whom a digital image fileis to be distributed does not necessarily have an image displayapparatus having unpackaging means. When the digital image file and thepackage file are output, the package file can be distributed to theperson having an image display apparatus and thus portability can beimproved. The digital image file not packaged can be distributed to theperson having no image display apparatus.

Further, the image processing system according to the sixth aspect ofthe invention is characterized in that the output means transmits apackage file to a communication line and the input means receives apackage file from a communication line. According to the imageprocessing system, the package file can be transferred via acommunication line such as a serial cable, a LAN, or a telephone line,and the transferring time and labor can be decreased.

Further, the image processing system according to the sixth aspect ofthe invention is characterized in that the output means outputs adigital image file and the package file into which the digital imagefile is packaged.

To accomplish the above-described object, an image processing methodaccording to a seventh aspect of the invention is an image processingmethod for transferring a digital image file and a layout definitionfile between an image output apparatus for outputting a digital imagefile and a layout definition file for defining a layout to display adigital image represented by the digital image file and an image displayapparatus for displaying the digital image represented by the outputdigital image file based on the layout definition file, characterized bya packaging step of packaging the digital image file and the layoutdefinition file into a single package file and an output step ofoutputting the single package file, thereby outputting the digital imagefile and the layout definition file in the image output apparatus; andan input step of inputting the output package file and an unpackagingstep of acquiring the digital image file and the layout definition filefrom the input package file as unpackaging in the image displayapparatus.

In the seventh aspect of the invention, the image display apparatus canacquire files from the package file, so that it is made possible for theimage output apparatus to output the digital image file and the layoutdefinition file as a package file. As the package file is output, forexample, the time and labor for copying or attachment to electronic mailcan be decreased in distributing and since only one file is to becopied, an error of forgetting about copying some files or the like canbe prevented. Therefore, according to the image processing system,portability of the digital image file and the layout definition file canbe improved.

To accomplish the above-described object, a layout edit method accordingto an eighth aspect of the invention is a layout edit method,characterized by a user interface step of accepting a command to edit alayout of an image element in a predetermined area on a screen; a layoutedit step of editing a layout control file for controlling the layout ofthe image element based on the command accepted in the user interfacestep; and an output step of converting a content file representing allimage elements laid out in the predetermined area and a layout controlfile for controlling the layout of all image elements laid out in thepredetermined area into a single package file and outputting the packagefile.

To accomplish the above-described object, a layout edit programaccording to the eighth aspect of the invention is characterized in thatthe program causes a computer to function as user interface means foraccepting a command to edit a layout of an image element in apredetermined area on a screen; layout edit means for editing a layoutcontrol file for controlling the layout of the image element based onthe command accepted by the user interface means; and output means forconverting a content file representing all image elements laid out inthe predetermined area and a layout control file for controlling thelayout of all image elements laid out in the predetermined area into asingle package file and outputting the package file.

In the eighth aspect of the invention, a layout control file and thecontent file representing all image elements whose layout is controlledby the layout control file are converted into a single package file,whereby portability of information required for displaying a specificimage element according to a specific layout can be improved. Thecontent file representing all laid-out image elements and the layoutcontrol file for controlling the layout of all the image elements arespecified without troubling the user, whereby the operability in theconversion operation to a single package file can be improved.

To accomplish the above-described object, a layout edit apparatusaccording to a ninth aspect of the invention is characterized by userinterface means for accepting a command to edit a layout of an imageelement in a predetermined area on a screen; layout edit means forediting a layout control file for controlling the layout of the imageelement based on the command accepted by the user interface means; andoutput means for converting a content file representing all imageelements laid out in the predetermined area and a layout control filefor controlling the layout of all image elements laid out in thepredetermined area into a single package file and outputting the packagefile.

In the ninth aspect of the invention, a layout control file and thecontent file representing all image elements whose layout is controlledby the layout control file are converted into a single package file,whereby portability of information required for displaying a specificimage element according to a specific layout can be improved.

To accomplish the above-described object, a display data processingmethod according to a tenth aspect of the invention is characterized bya storage step of storing files making up a template; a selection stepof selecting an image element to be merged into the template; and anoutput step of converting the files making up the template and a userfile representing the image element selected in the selection step intoa single file and outputting the file.

To accomplish the above-described object, a display data processingprogram according to the tenth aspect of the invention is characterizedin that the program causes a computer to function as storage means forstoring files making up a template; selection means for selecting animage element to be merged into the template; and output means forconverting the files making up the template and a user file representingthe image element selected in the selection step into a single file andoutputting the file.

In the tenth aspect of the invention, the files making up the templateand the user file representing the image element to be merged into thetemplate are converted into a single package file, whereby portabilityof information required for merging the image element selected by theuser into a predetermined template for display can be improved. Thefiles making up the template are a file representing a predeterminedimage element, a file for controlling the layout of image elements, afile representing a thumbnail image representing the design of thetemplate for causing the user to select the template, etc.

To accomplish the above-described object, a data processing apparatusaccording to an eleventh aspect of the invention is characterized bystorage means for storing files making up a template; selection meansfor selecting an image element to be merged into the template; andoutput means for converting the files making up the template and a userfile representing the image element selected by the selection means intoa single file and outputting the file.

In the eleventh aspect of the invention, the files making up thetemplate and the user file representing the image element to be mergedinto the template are converted into a single package file, wherebyportability of information required for merging the image elementselected by the user into a predetermined template for display can beimproved.

To accomplish the above-described object, a display data processingmethod according to a twelfth aspect of the invention is characterizedby a conversion step of converting a content file representing an imageelement and a layout control file for controlling a layout of the imageelement into a single package file; and a use limitation step of storinguse limitation data to permit or inhibit individual use of content datacontained in the package file representing the image element or layoutcontrol data contained in the package file for controlling the layout ofthe image element in the package file.

To accomplish the above-described object, a display data processingprogram according to the twelfth aspect of the invention ischaracterized in that the program causes a computer to function asconversion means for converting a content file representing an imageelement and a layout control file for controlling a layout of the imageelement into a single package file; and use limitation means for storinguse limitation data to permit or inhibit individual use of content datacontained in the package file representing the image element or layoutcontrol data contained in the package file for controlling the layout ofthe image element in the package file.

In the twelfth aspect of the invention, in the package file containingthe content data representing the image element or the layout controldata for controlling the layout of the image element, the use limitationdata to permit or inhibit individual use of the data is stored, whereby,for example, use of the image element beyond the control of the layoutcontrol data or display of the image element under the control of thelayout control data after the layout control data is edited can beinhibited as required.

Further, the display data processing program according to the twelfthaspect of the invention is characterized in that the use limitation datacontains control data to remove the digital watermark added to the imageelement. The control data to remove the digital watermark is containedin the package file containing the content data representing the imageelement to which the digital watermark is added, whereby use of theimage element can be limited so that the image element can be normallydisplayed only with a specific apparatus having a function of removingthe digital watermark added to the image element based on the controldata.

To accomplish the above-described object, a display data processingapparatus according to a thirteenth aspect of the invention ischaracterized by conversion means for converting a content filerepresenting an image element and a layout control file for controllinga layout of the image element into a single package file; and uselimitation means for storing use limitation data to permit or inhibitindividual use of data contained in the package file representing theimage element or data contained in the package file for controlling thelayout of the image element in the package file.

In the thirteenth aspect of the invention, in the package filecontaining the content data representing the image element or the layoutcontrol data for controlling the layout of the image element, the uselimitation data to permit or inhibit individual use of the data isstored, whereby, for example, use of the image element beyond thecontrol of the layout control data or display of the image element underthe control of the layout control data after the layout control data isedited can be inhibited as required.

To accomplish the above-described object, a display data processingmethod according to a fourteenth aspect of the invention ischaracterized by a display step of reading a package file storingcontent data representing an image element, layout control data forcontrolling a layout of the image element, and use limitation data anddisplaying the content data under the control of the layout controldata; an individual use step of reading the package file and using thecontent data or the layout control data individually; and a managementstep of managing access to the package file and permitting or inhibitingthe use in response to the use descriptions and the use limitation data.

To accomplish the above-described object, a display data processingprogram according to the fourteenth aspect of the invention ischaracterized in that the program causes a computer to function asdisplay means for reading a package file storing content datarepresenting an image element, layout control data for controlling alayout of the image element, and use limitation data and displaying thecontent data under the control of the layout control data; individualuse means for reading the package file and using the content data or thelayout control data individually; and management means for managingaccess to the package file and permitting or inhibiting the use inresponse to the use descriptions and the use limitation data.

In the fourteenth aspect of the invention, in the display dataprocessing program using the package file storing the content datarepresenting the image element, the layout control data for controllingthe layout of the image element, and the use limitation data, the use ispermitted or inhibited in response to the use descriptions and the uselimitation data, whereby the user can be prevented from making useagainst the intention of the package file supplier. For example, use ofthe image element beyond the control of the layout control data ordisplay of the image element under the control of the layout controldata after the layout control data is edited can be inhibited asrequired.

Further, the display data processing program according to the fourteenthaspect of the invention is characterized in that the management means isresponsive to the use limitation data for permitting or inhibiting theuse of the content data beyond the control of the layout control data bythe individual use means. The use of the content data beyond the controlof the layout control data is inhibited as required, whereby, forexample, the content data which may be used only if it is displayed in aspecific layout can be prevented from being redistributed in a state inwhich the content data is separated from the layout control data.

Further, the display data processing program according to the fourteenthaspect of the invention is characterized in that the management means isresponsive to the use limitation data for permitting or inhibiting theuse of editing the layout control data by the individual use means.Editing the layout control data is inhibited as required, whereby thecontent data which may be used only if it is displayed in a specificlayout can be prevented from being displayed in any other layout thanthe specific layout.

Further, the display data processing program according to the fourteenthaspect of the invention is characterized in that the management means isresponsive to the use limitation data for permitting or inhibiting theuse of storing the content data in nonvolatile memory as a single bodyby the individual use means. Storing the content data in nonvolatilememory as a single body is inhibited as required, whereby the contentdata which may be used only if it is displayed in a specific layout canbe prevented from being used by a different program or beingredistributed in a state in which the content data is separated from thelayout control data.

Further, the display data processing program according to the fourteenthaspect of the invention is characterized in that the program causes acomputer to function as means for removing the digital watermark addedto the image element represented by the content data. A digitalwatermark is added to the image element to be used by the display dataprocessing program, whereby illegal use of the image element by aprogram not intended for using the image element can be prevented.

To accomplish the above-described object, a display data processingapparatus according to a fifteenth aspect of the invention ischaracterized by display means for reading a package file storingcontent data representing an image element, layout control data forcontrolling a layout of the image element, and use limitation data anddisplaying the content data under the control of the layout controldata; individual use means for reading the package file and using thecontent data or the layout control data individually; and managementmeans for managing access to the package file and permitting orinhibiting the use in response to the use descriptions and the uselimitation data. In the display data processing apparatus using thepackage file storing the content data representing the image element,the layout control data for controlling the layout of the image element,and the use limitation data, the use is permitted or inhibited inresponse to the use descriptions and the use limitation data, wherebythe user can be prevented from making use against the intention of thepackage file supplier.

To accomplish the above-described object, a file data structureaccording to a sixteenth aspect of the invention is characterized by afirst area in which content data representing an image element isrecorded; a second area in which layout control data for controlling alayout of the image element is recorded; and a third area in which uselimitation data to limit use of the content data or the layout controldata is recorded. Together with the content data representing an imageelement and the layout control data for controlling the layout of theimage element, the use limitation data to limit the use of the data isrecorded in one file, whereby use of the image element beyond thecontrol of the layout control data or display of the image element underthe control of the layout control data after the layout control data isedited in the program using the file can be inhibited as required.

The file data structure according to the sixteenth aspect of theinvention is characterized in that an image element to which a digitalwatermark is added is recorded in the first area and that the uselimitation data containing control data to remove the digital watermarkis recorded in the second area. A digital watermark and the control datato remove the digital watermark are added to an image element so thatonly the display data processing program guaranteed for appropriate useof the image element is allowed to remove the digital watermark, wherebyillegal use of the image element can be prevented.

To accomplish the above-described object, a display data managementmethod according to a seventeenth aspect of the invention ischaracterized by the steps of distributing a package file recordingcontent data representing an image element, layout control data forcontrolling a layout of the image element, and use limitation data to areception terminal through a network; storing identification informationproper to the reception terminal in the package file in response todistribution of the package file; and making a comparison betweeninformation proper to a use terminal and the identification informationstored in the package file and permitting or inhibiting use of thecontent data or the layout control data contained in the package file bythe use terminal in response to the comparison result. Theidentification information proper to the reception terminal is stored inthe package file in response to distribution of the package file andwhen the package file is used, use of the package file is permitted orinhibited in response to the comparison result between the informationproper to the use terminal and the identification information stored inthe package file, so that the user not having the use right of thepackage file can be prevented from using the package file.

The functions of the plurality of means included in the invention areprovided by hardware resources whose functions are determined by theconfiguration, hardware resources whose functions are determined byprograms, or a combination thereof. The functions of the plurality ofmeans are not limited to those provided by hardware resources physicallyindependent of each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flowchart to show an example of packaging processing in afile manipulation program of an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation to show an example of a packagingcommand screen 10.

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation to show an example of a fileselection screen 11.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation to show an example of a main fileand related files to which packaging processing is applied.

FIG. 5 is a schematic representation to show an example of a filecreated by performing the packaging processing;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart to show an example of unpackaging processing inthe file manipulation program of the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a schematic representation to show an example of a packagefile to which unpackaging processing is applied.

FIG. 8 is a schematic representation to show an example of anunpackaging command screen 12.

FIG. 9 is a schematic representation to show an example of a filecreated by performing the unpackaging processing.

FIG. 10 is a drawing to show an outline of the configuration of a printsystem including a layout edit apparatus 20 of the embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart to show an example of the main routine executedby the layout edit apparatus 20 of the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation to show an example of a papersetting screen 30.

FIG. 13 is a schematic representation to show an example of a layoutwork screen 40 and a tool box screen 50.

FIG. 14 is a schematic representation to show the layout work screen 40and the tool box screen 50 when merge photo frames 71 and 72 and a frameimage 73 are set.

FIG. 15 is a schematic representation to show an example of a pull-downmenu 46.

FIG. 16 is a schematic representation to show an example of filescreated in a storage section 26 of the layout edit apparatus 20 when alayout is saved according to the “usual save.”

FIG. 17 is a schematic representation to show an example of a scriptfile, a thumbnail file, and an image file in a modification.

FIG. 18 is a schematic representation to show an example of thedescriptions of the script file in the modification.

FIG. 19 is a schematic representation to show examples of selected fileand related files.

FIG. 20 is a schematic representation to show examples of selected fileand related files.

FIG. 21 is a schematic drawing to show an image processing systemaccording to a first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram to show the configuration of an image outputapparatus.

FIG. 23 (A) is a front view of the image output apparatus and FIG. 23(B) is a rear view of the image output apparatus.

FIG. 24 (A) is a perspective view of an image display apparatus and FIG.24 (B) is a drawing to show a display and an operation section on anenlarged scale.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of the image display apparatus.

FIG. 26 is a schematic drawing to show a directory structure inremovable memory.

FIG. 27 is a schematic drawing to show the contents of a layoutdefinition file.

FIG. 28 (A) is a schematic drawing to describe display using the layoutdefinition file and FIG. 28 (B) is a plan view to show the displayresult.

FIG. 29 is a drawing to show the format of a package file.

FIG. 30 (A) is a drawing to show the format of “0th IFD” and FIG. 30 (B)is a drawing to show the format of “1th IFD.”

FIG. 31 (C) is a drawing to show the format of “2th IFD” and FIG. 31 (D)is a drawing to show the format of “3th IFD.”

FIG. 32 (E) is a drawing to show the format of “4th IFD.”

FIG. 33 is a flowchart to show a processing flow of an image outputapparatus.

FIG. 34 (A) is a screen to accept selection of a layout definition fileand FIG. 34 (B) is a screen to accept selection of a digital image file.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart to show a processing flow of an image displayapparatus.

FIG. 36 is a screen to accept selection of a digital image file.

FIG. 37 is a schematic drawing to show an image processing systemaccording to a third embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a data structure drawing of a package file according to afourth embodiment.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart to show a flow of management processing of theuse of a package file by a display data processing program.

FIG. 40 is a sequence chart to describe a display data management methodof a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart to show a flow of processing of merging a userimage into a template for display in a user terminal.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Next, embodiments of the invention will be discussed using embodiments.

FIRST EMBODIMENT

A file manipulation program as a first embodiment of the invention is aprogram concerning file manipulation in a computer and is made up of apackaging module for packaging a plurality of files and an unpackagingmodule for unpackaging a packaged file.

FIG. 1 is a flowchart to show an example of packaging processing in thefile manipulation program of the first embodiment. In the packagingprocessing, first, selection of a main file and entry of the name of apackage file, the output destination folder, etc., are accepted (stepS100). The main file is a file to specify other related files to bepackaged. The specification method is described later. In the firstembodiment, selection of a main file, etc., is accepted through apackaging command screen. FIG. 2 shows an example of a packaging commandscreen 10. The packaging command screen 10 enables the user to enter themain file name, the package file name, and the package file outputdestination, as shown in the figure. When the main file name is entered,the name having package file extension (for example, “.pkg”) added tothe main file name is automatically entered in the package file name,the name of the folder in which the main file exists is automaticallyentered in the package file output destination, and the automatic entrycan be directly corrected. The main file name can be entered through afile selection screen 11 output as a “reference” button to the right ofan input field is pressed. On the file selection screen 11 illustratedin FIG. 3, if one of folders displayed in a tree structure on the leftof the screen is selected, the files existing in the selected folder arelisted on the right of the screen and the main file can be selected fromamong the listed files.

Next, the selected main file and the files related to the main file arepackaged (step S110). In the first embodiment, the files in the folderof the same name as the main file existing in the same folder as themain file are packaged. As illustrated in FIG. 4, if file “001.xxx” isselected as the main file, files “0001.xxx” to “0003.xxx” in folder“001” of the same name as the main file existing in the same folder “01”are packaged as related files.

When the files are thus packaged, the packaged files are output as apackage file and the packaging processing is terminated (step S120). Inthe embodiment, the package file is output based on the name and theoutput destination folder entered at step S100. FIG. 5 is a schematicrepresentation to show the output result of the package file when theentered name is “001.pkg” and the output destination folder is “01.” Thepackage file may be output as a file subjected to data compressionprocessing by a data compression method such as Run-Length coding orHuffman coding.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart to show an example of unpackaging processing inthe file manipulation program of the first embodiment. In the firstembodiment, the case where the package file “001.pkg” output byperforming the packaging processing described above is copied intofolder “02” and is unpackaged as illustrated in FIG. 7 will be discussedas a specific example. In the unpackaging processing, first, selectionof the package file to be unpackaged and entry of the output destinationfolder of the main file are accepted (step S200) as shown in FIG. 6. Inthe first embodiment, entry such as selection of the package file, etc.,is accepted through an unpackaging command screen. An unpackagingcommand screen 12 illustrated in FIG. 8 enables the user to enter thepackage file name and the main file output destination. When the packagefile name is entered, the name of the folder in which the package fileexists is automatically entered in the main file output destination, andthe automatic entry can also be corrected. The package file name can beentered through the file selection screen 11 output as a “reference”button to the right of an input field is pressed as with the packagingcommand screen 10 described above. In the specific example, the packagefile “001.pkg” is selected as the package file to be unpackaged and thefolder “02” is entered as the main file output destination.

Next, the selected package file is unpackaged and the unpackagingprocessing is terminated (step S210). In the first embodiment, the mainfile is unpackaged and is output to the output destination folderentered at step S200 and in the same folder, a folder of the same nameas the name of the main file is created and the related files containedin the package file are unpackaged and are output to the created folder.FIG. 9 is a schematic representation to show a file created byperforming the unpackaging processing in the specific example. As shownin the figure, the main file “001.xxx” contained in the package file“001.pkg” is unpackaged and is output to the output destination folder“02” and folder “001” of the same name as the main file is created. Therelated files “0001.xxx” to “0003.xxx” are unpackaged and are output tothe folder “001.”

According to the described file manipulation program, a plurality ofelectronic files can be packaged and be output as a package file forfacilitating the later file manipulation. Moreover, easy packaging alsoincluding the related files can be accomplished simply by selecting themain file. The packaged files can be unpackaged and restored to theoriginal files for use.

Next, the case where the file manipulation program of the firstembodiment is built in file manipulation processing of a layout editapparatus 20 will be discussed. FIG. 10 is a drawing to show an outlineof the configuration of a print system including the layout editapparatus 20. The layout edit apparatus 20 of the first embodiment isimplemented as a general-purpose personal computer in which a layoutedit program for editing the layout of an image area to print an imageand creating a so-called template is installed.

The layout edit apparatus 20 includes an input section 22 for entering acommand from the user through an input device such as a keyboard or amouse, a display section 24 as a display, a storage section 26 forstoring data of a program, an image, etc., and a control section 28 forperforming predetermined operations and controlling the whole. Thecommands entered by the user through the input section 22 include, forexample, a command to edit the layout of image elements andspecifically, for example, commands to specify the placement positionand size of each image element and to select an image element. The inputsection 22 accepts the commands through the keyboard and the mouse. Aprinter 18 is connected to the layout edit apparatus 20 of the firstembodiment. The printer 18 prints a laid-out image, etc., on print paperbased on a print command from the personal computer functioning as thelayout edit apparatus 20.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart to show an example of the main routine executedby the layout edit apparatus 20 of the first embodiment. This processingis processing when the layout edit program is executed by the personalcomputer. In the layout edit apparatus 20 of the first embodiment,first, setting processing of the paper size, paper orientation,printable area, etc., is executed using a paper setting screen 30illustrated in FIG. 12 (step S300). In the example in FIG. 12, the papersize can be selected using a pull-down menu and “portrait” or“landscape” can be selected as the paper orientation using a selectivebutton. The printable area can be selected from among “standard” forsetting standard frame (margins) in four sides, “maximum” for settingthe maximum printable area, and “no frame on four sides” for makingframeless print possible. In “no frame on four sides,” a margin of aminus value is set so as to prevent a slight margin from occurring witha paper position shift at the printing time. When “roll paper” isselected as the paper size, “auto cutter” for automatically cuttingpaper at the print completion can also be set.

When settings are thus selected on the paper setting screen 30 and anedit button 32 is selected, layout edit processing is executed using alayout work screen 40 and a tool box screen 50 illustrated in FIG. 13(step S310). The layout work screen 40 illustrated in FIG. 13 displays awork area displaying a paper area 41 and a printable area 42 and a toolbar 44 for selecting with a pull-down menu to perform file manipulation,editing, etc. The printable area 42 is an area for laying out on thescreen the image elements laid out on one page corresponding to apredetermined print paper size. The image elements laid out in theprintable area 42 include a photo image, a background image of a photoimage, a frame, a decoration, a character string, a line, a curve, etc.The tool box screen 50 displays various buttons 51 to 60 for performingvarious operations in the printable area 42 of the layout work screen40, an image area display operation section 61 for displaying the orderand display and non-display of the layers of image areas displayed inthe printable area 42, and a position information display section 68 fordisplaying position information relative to the printable area 42, ofthe selected image area among the image areas set in the printable area42 of the layout work screen 40. The buttons displayed on the tool boxscreen 50 are a merge photo frame button 51 for setting an image areainto which an image such as a photo can be merged, a background, frame,ornamental frame button 52 for setting an image area to read an imageand create a background, a frame, a decoration, etc., of an image suchas a photo, a character string button 53 for setting an area to enter acharacter string, a line button 54 for drawing a line, a selectionbutton 55 for selecting an image area, a deletion button 56 for deletingthe selected image area, a forefront button 57 for moving the selectedimage area to the forefront layer, a front button 58 for moving theselected image area to the just preceding front layer, a rearmost button59 for moving the selected image area to the rearmost layer, and a rearbutton 60 for moving the selected image area to the just following rearlayer.

FIG. 14 shows the layout work screen 40 and the tool box screen 50 whenmerge photo frames 71 and 72 are set using the merge photo frame button51 and a frame image 73 is set using the background, frame, ornamentalframe button 52.

When the background, frame, ornamental frame button 52 is clicked, it ismade possible to set a rectangular area in the printable area 42 bydragging in the printable area 42. When a rectangular area is thus set,a screen not shown to select a file as a content file representing animage element allocated to the rectangular area is displayed. When afile representing any desired image element is selected on the screen,the image element is displayed in the previously setup rectangular areaand the path of the selected file is temporarily stored in RAM, etc. Thedisplay data maybe essential data or may be thumbnail data. Thetemporarily stored path of the file is referenced when the layout beingedited is saved, and the file representing all image elements laid outin the printable area 42 is saved in a predetermined directory togetherwith a script file for controlling the layout. Of course, the real bodyof the file rather than the path may be temporarily stored.

As shown in the figure, the merge photo frames 71 and 72 and the frameimage 73 are displayed on the layout work screen 40, an operation button62 of merge photo frame 1 corresponding to the merge photo frame 71 asan image area set in the printable area 42 of the layout work screen 40,an operation button 63 of “Image007.jpg” corresponding to the frameimage 73, and an operation button 64 of merge photo frame 2corresponding to the merge photo frame 72 are displayed from the top inorder starting at the upper layer in the image area display operationsection 61 of the tool box screen 50, and the position of the image areaselected in the printable area 42 of the layout work screen 40 (in FIG.4, the merge photo frame 72) within the printable area 42 is displayedin the position information display section 68. A heart-shapedtransparent area 74 is set in the frame image 73 set in the printablearea 42 of the layout work screen 40, and the corresponding portion ofthe merge photo frame 72 on the lower layer is seen through the setuptransparent area 74.

The layout edit processing in the layout edit apparatus 20 of the firstembodiment has been described. File manipulation processing in which thefile manipulation program of the first embodiment is built will bediscussed. The file manipulation processing is made up of layout saveprocessing of saving a created layout and layout read processing ofreading a saved layout. First, the layout save processing will bediscussed and then the layout read processing will be discussed.

The layout save processing is executed as “usual save” or “save withpackaging” is selected using a pull-down menu 46 illustrated in FIG. 15.The pull-down menu 46 is displayed as a “file” menu of the tool bar 44on the layout work screen 40 is selected. The “usual save” is a savemode for creating a script file as a layout control file describinginformation set in the creation and edit processing of a layout in atext format, image files as content files corresponding to all imageelements of the photo image, background, frame, decoration, characterstring, line, curve, etc., laid out in the printable area, and athumbnail file for displaying the whole image of the layout on a reducedscale and saving the files. The “save with packaging” is a save mode foroutputting the files created in the “usual save” as a package file byexecuting the packaging processing of the file manipulation program ofthe first embodiment.

When the layout is saved with the “usual save” selected, a script filefor controlling the print layout corresponding to the layout on thescreen is created in the specified folder, a folder of the same name asthe script file is created, and a thumbnail file and an image file arecreated in the created folder. FIG. 16 is a schematic representation toshow an example of files created in the storage section 26 of the layoutedit apparatus 20 when the layout is saved according to the “usualsave.” As shown in the figure, a script file “AAA.pfg” is created in aspecified folder “PIF Designer,” in the same folder, a folder “AAA” ofthe same name as the script file is created, and further a thumbnailfile “THUMB.usf” and an image file “Img000.eff” are created in thefolder “AAA.”

One or two or more files representing all image elements of the photoimage, background, frame, decoration, character string, line, curve,etc., laid out in the printable area are created in the folder “AAA.”The files include copies of a file representing a photo image and a filerepresenting a background image previously stored in addition to thefiles created by the layout edit program. The previously stored filesare files with the paths temporarily stored during the layout edit workas described above. When the layout is saved, a copy of the fileindicated by the stored path is saved in the folder “AAA.”

On the other hand, when the layout is saved with the “save withpackaging” selected, a script file, a thumbnail file, and an image fileare created as with the “usual save” and then the packaging processingof the file manipulation program of the first embodiment described aboveis executed with the script file as the main file. That is, if thescript file is used as the main file, the files existing in the folder“AAA” of the same name as the script file name in the same folder as thescript file “AAA.pfg” (thumbnail file “THUMB.usf” and image file“Img000.eff”) become files related to the main file as seen from acomparison between FIGS. 4 and 16. Therefore, the script file isselected and packaging processing is executed, whereby the script file,the thumbnail file, and the image file can be packaged and output as apackage file.

When the “save with packaging” is specified, all files saved with the“usual save” as for the layout edited at the point in time may becreated and the created files may be converted into a single packagefile. That is, one package file containing data representing all imageelements laid out in the printable area 42 when the “save with package”is specified and data to control the layout of the image elements canalso be created automatically without making the user select a scriptfile.

With the “save with packaging,” after the package file is output, thescript file, the thumbnail file; and the image file may be deletedautomatically. The script file, the thumbnail file, and the image filemay be created virtually in memory and only a package file may be outputbased on the virtually created files.

The layout read processing is executed as “open” is selected using thepull-down menu 46 described above and the script file or the packagefile created in the layout save processing is specified. To execute thelayout read processing with the script file specified, the thumbnailfile and the image file are read together with the specified script fileas they are, and the layout edit processing is made possible.

On the other hand, to execute the layout read processing with thepackage file specified, the script file, the thumbnail file, and theimage file contained in the package file are analyzed using theunpackaging module of the file manipulation program of the firstembodiment described above. The analyzed files are created virtually inmemory and the layout is read. In this case, the script file, thethumbnail file, and the image file are not output, but the files can beoutput by saving the layout according to the “usual save” describedabove.

According to the layout edit apparatus 20 of the first embodimentdescribed above, the file manipulation program of the first embodimentis applied to the file manipulation processing, so that it can be madeeasy to save and transfer files concerning the layout.

In the layout edit apparatus 20 of the first embodiment, the layout saveprocessing is executed with “usual save” or “save with packaging”selected using the pull-down menu 46, but the layout may always be savedaccording to the “save with packaging” without executing the “usualsave.”

In the layout edit apparatus 20 of the first embodiment, to execute thelayout read processing with the package file specified, the script file,the thumbnail file, and the image file contained in the package file areanalyzed, but the unpackaging processing of the file manipulationprogram of the first embodiment may be applied as it is. That is, thescript file, the thumbnail file, and the image file contained in thepackage file may be unpackaged and output and the output files may beread.

In the file manipulation program of the first embodiment, the files inthe folder of the same name as the main file are packaged as the relatedfiles, but the related files may be able to be specified from the mainfile and the files described in the main file may be packaged as therelated files. For example, the files whose position and name aredescribed in the main file in a text format may be packaged as therelated files. To unpackage the package file provided by packaging thefiles in such a manner, the related files may be unpackaged and outputto predetermined positions and the positions of the related filesdescribed in the main file may be rewritten with the actual outputpositions. Such a file manipulation program can also be applied to thefile manipulation processing of the layout edit apparatus 20 of thefirst embodiment. That is, to apply save with packaging to the layoutmade up of a script file “BBB.pfg, ” a thumbnail file “THUMB.usf,” andan image file “Img000.eff” illustrated in FIG. 17, the descriptions ofthe script file “BBB.pfg” (file names and storage folders of thethumbnail file and the image file) illustrated in FIG. 18 may bereferenced, the thumbnail file and the image file may be specified, anda package file may be output. To unpackage the package file, thedescriptions of the script file “BBB.pfg” may be rewritten with thefolders into which the thumbnail file and the image file are actuallyoutput.

The file manipulation program of the first embodiment is made up of thepackaging module and the unpackaging module, but may be implemented asonly the packaging module. It may be implemented as only an analysismodule for analyzing a package file and handling the package file asfiles before being packaged.

The case where the file manipulation program of the first embodiment isbuilt in the file manipulation processing of the layout edit apparatus20 has been described as an application example, but the filemanipulation program can also be applied to other apparatus forpackaging a plurality of files into a single file and unpackaging thepackaged files for use. For example, the file manipulation program canalso be applied to a file distribution apparatus for distributing aplurality of files to client computers connected through a network and aprinter for printing the layout created in the layout edit apparatus 20of the first embodiment.

In an apparatus for producing print display or screen display of a photoimage using the layout created in the layout edit apparatus 20 as atemplate, the file manipulation program of the invention may be appliedto a program for converting a file selected by the user as a user filerepresenting a photo image merged into the merge photo frame of thetemplate, the script file of the template, and a file representing animage element into one package file. In this case, the package filecorresponding to the template and a user file representing a photoimage, etc., to be merged into the template may be converted into a newpackage file.

In the description, the file manipulation program of the firstembodiment is assumed to package a script file, one thumbnail file, andone image file, but the combination of the files to be packaged into onefile may be any other than described above.

FIGS. 19 and 20 are schematic drawings to describe various uses of thefile manipulation program.

For example, the number of image files to be packaged may be more thanone.

FIG. 19 (A) shows an example of packaging a script file, a thumbnailfile, and a plurality of image files into one file. A plurality of filesrepresenting image elements (content files) can be placed in thetemplate defined by the script file. Thus, a plurality of content filesmay be related to one script file. If it is made possible to package aplurality of content files into one package file, handling when thereare a plurality of image files laid out for the template can befacilitated.

For example, a template and information representing the image elementto be merged into the template can be packaged into one file.

FIG. 19 (B) is a schematic drawing to show an example of packaging filesmaking up a template (a script file, content files, a thumbnail filerepresenting the design of the template, etc.,) and user filesrepresenting photo images merged into the template and the like into onefile. For example, assume that there are a digital camera wherein thefile manipulation program can be executed and a personal computer (PC)to which a printer is connected, wherein the file manipulation programcan be executed, and that the user file representing the imagephotographed with the digital camera is printed in the PC. In this case,if the user file created in the digital camera and the script file,etc., making up the template used to print the user file are packaged inthe digital camera and are output to nonvolatile removable memory,handling is facilitated when the file related to the template is movedto another directory or the user file, the script file, and the likeattached to electronic mail are distributed to acquaintances in the PCto which the data in the digital camera is input through the removablememory. If the files making up the template and the user file arepackaged and distributed, others can be allowed to produce print displayor screen display of the user file according to a specific layout.

The user file and the files making up the template can be related toeach other as relating information of the user file photographed justbefore and the files making up the template to each other is describedin another file just after photographing. In this case, the relatingdescribed in the file maybe referenced for specifying the files to bepackaged.

Of course, the files making up the template and the user file may besaved as one package file just after photographing of the digitalcamera. That is, just after the user file and the files making up thetemplate are temporarily stored in work memory such as RAM, they may beconverted into a package file for output to nonvolatile memory withoutconverting the user file and the files making up the template into apackage file for re-output to the nonvolatile memory in response to auser's command after the user file and the files making up the templateare once output to the nonvolatile memory.

FIG. 19 (C) is a schematic drawing to show an example of packaging amultipage script file describing the storage positions and the filenames of a plurality of script files, the plurality of script filesspecified in the multipage script file, content files, and user filesinto one file. As the multipage script file is specified at the printingtime, it is made possible to print a plurality of user files on aplurality of pages based on a plurality of script files packaged forcreating a so-called electronic album. Therefore, if the multipagescript file and its related script files, content files, and user filesare packaged, portability of the file group to create an electronicalbum can be improved.

FIG. 19 (D) is a schematic drawing to show an example of packaging ascript file describing the address to download a content file and athumbnail file into one file. For example, a mobile telephone with acamera which has a digital camera function and can be connected to acommunication network is known. If a template made up of a script file,etc., is distributed to such a mobile telephone, it is made possible touse the mobile telephone to package the script file and a user file ordisplay a user file in the layout defined in the script file. However,generally the mobile telephone has memory of a small storage capacity ascompared with a personal computer, etc., and cannot store a large numberof files. If a script file describing the address to download a contentfile is distributed, only the necessary content file when necessary canbe downloaded into the mobile telephone and the storage area of themobile telephone can be used efficiently. Here, it is assumed that themobile telephone includes an electronic file manipulation program andcan interpret the script file.

FIG. 20 (E) is a schematic drawing to show an example of packaging ascript file and user files into one file. For example, when the layoutedit apparatus 20 does not include a printer 12 and at the printingtime, a package file is transmitted to a predetermined print server andthe printer is caused to print from the print server, if a content fileis previously stored in the print server, the content file need not beincluded in the package file transmitted to the print server and thesize of the package file can be lessened. Here, it is assumed that aprinter is connected to the print server and that the print serverincludes an electronic file manipulation program and can interpret ascript file.

FIG. 20 (F) is a schematic drawing to show an example of packaging amultipage script file, a plurality of script files specified by themultipage script file and describing the addresses to download contentfiles, and a plurality of user files into one file. For example, toprint from the print server described above, each content file need notbe included in the package file and thus the size of the package filecan be lessened and to print a multipage script file is specified, sothat a print command can be given collectively.

FIG. 20 (G) is a schematic drawing to show an example of packaging anindex file describing the storage positions and the file names of aplurality of script files for defining similar layouts, created for eachsize of print media, a plurality of script files for defining similarlayouts, specified by the index file, content files, and user files intoone file. If a script file is created for a print medium of a specificsize, print in the layout as intended can be executed only on the printmedia of the size to which the script file is applied. Assuming that theindex file is the selected file and a plurality of script files fordefining similar layouts for a specific size are the related files, thesize of the print medium to print can be selected from among the sizesto which the subscript files specified by the index file are applied andif any size is selected, print can be executed in the layout as intendedand their handling can be facilitated.

FIG. 20 (H) is a schematic drawing to show an example of packaging aplurality of combinations of script files, thumbnail files, and contentfiles into one file. Accordingly, a plurality of script files fallinginto the same category such as for the New Year or Christmas, forexample, and the thumbnail files and the content files related to thescript files can be packaged into one package file, and the script filescan be handled in category units.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

FIG. 21 is a schematic drawing to show an image processing system 201according to a second embodiment of the invention. As shown in thefigure, the image processing system 201 is made up of a digital stillcamera (DSC) 202 as an image output apparatus and a printer 203 as animage display apparatus. When a digital image file and a layoutdefinition file stored in the DSC 202 are output, they are packaged intoa single package file together with other files described later and thepackage file is written into removable memory 223. The printer 203 readsthe package file from the removable memory 223 and acquires necessaryfiles by unpackaging means and prints.

FIG. 22 is a block diagram to show the configuration of the DSC 202.FIGS. 23 (A) and 23 (B) are a front view and a rear view to show theappearance of the DSC 202.

An optical system 210 is made up of a lens 237, an aperture, etc.,housed in a cabinet 230. The optical system 210 forms an optical imageof a subject on the light reception face of an image sensor 211.

An image pickup section 224 includes the image sensor 211 havingphotoelectric conversion elements for outputting an electric signalresponsive to the light reception amount, a sensor controller 212, anA/D conversion section 213 for performing various types of analog signalprocessing and quantization processing, an image formation section 214for performing image formation processing, white balance correction, γcorrection, color space conversion, etc., and acompression-decompression section 16 for compressing and decompressing adigital image in a JPEG format, for example.

An output section 222 as output means is controlled by a CPU 216 andwrites a package file, etc., into the removable memory 223 placed in acard slot not shown, namely stores the package file, etc. The removablememory 223 is a record medium that can be attached to and detached fromthe output section 222; specifically it is card-type flash memory thatcan be attached to and detached from, for example.

An operation section 219 includes pushbutton switches 232, 233, 235, and236, a cross key 234, a shutter switch 231, etc. The pushbutton switch232 is a switch for calling a menu on an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)221. The pushbutton switches 235 and 236 and the cross key 234 areswitches for operating a menu displayed on the LCD 221. The pushbuttonswitch 233 is a switch for entering an output command. The shutterswitch 231 is a switch for entering a still image record command; as theshutter switch 231 is pressed, a still image record command can beentered.

The LCD 221 functions as an electronic view finder and also functions asa display for displaying a photographed digital image, various menus,etc. A display controller 220 includes a frame buffer for storing adigital image of one screen of the LCD 221 and a display circuit fordriving the LCD 221 based on the digital image stored in the framebuffer.

The CPU 216 controls the whole DSC 202 by executing a computer programstored in flash memory 217 as internal memory. The CPU 216 also performsprocessing of packaging, etc. Work memory 218 is memory for temporarilystoring a program and data.

FIG. 24 (A) is a perspective view to show the appearance of the printer203 and FIG. 24 (B) is a drawing to show a display and an operationsection of the printer 203 on an enlarged scale.

A card slot 249 is an opening for connecting the removable memory 223detachably to an input section not shown provided in a housing 240.

As shown in FIG. 24 (B), the housing 240 is provided with a display 241,an operation section 248, etc., and the operation section 224 isprovided with a plurality of switches such as an up switch 242, a downswitch 244, a determination switch 245, a return switch 243, a printswitch 246, and a cancel switch 247. A menu for making various settingsis displayed on the display 241. The up switch 242, the down switch 244,the determination switch 245, and the return switch 245 are switches forselecting a menu item. The print switch 246 is a switch for entering aprint start command. The cancel switch 247 is a switch for entering aprint cancel command. A power circuit, a control circuit, a drivecircuit, a printer engine, and the like for producing display are housedin the housing 240.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of the printer 203.

The display 241 is implemented as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), etc.,and is controlled by a display control section 257. The display controlsection 257 includes VRAM, a drive circuit, etc. The display controlsection 257 displays various menus, a display apparatus thumbnaildescribed later, etc., on the display 241 under the control of a controlsection 256.

An input section 252 as output means reads a package file, etc., storedin the removable memory 223 and stores the read package file, etc., inwork memory 253 under the control of the control section 256.

An image processing section 254 is an ASIC for executing processing toconvert the data stored in the work memory 253 into print data incooperation with the control section 256.

A printer engine 255 is controlled by the control section 256 and formsan image on print paper based on the print data generated in the imageprocessing section 254. The printer engine 255 forms an image accordingto an ink jet system, a laser system, a sublimation dye transferprinting system, etc., for example.

The control section 256 includes a CPU and ROM as nonvolatile memory.The CPU executes a computer program stored in flash memory 217 asinternal memory for controlling the whole of the printer 203. The CPUalso performs processing of unpackaging, etc. The ROM is memorypreviously storing various programs, data, etc.

FIG. 26 is a schematic drawing to show the files stored in the removablememory 223 together with the directory structure. FIG. 27 represents astate after a package file is output.

A file with extension “.jpg” is a digital image file for representing adigital image representing a subject (subject image).

A file with extension “.usd” contains information for defining thelayout at the display time of a subject image and a default image to becombined with the subject image at the display time (layout definitionfile) and is retained for each paper size. The layout definition file isdescribed later in detail. A file with extension “.usm” is an indexfile. Index information of a plurality of layout definition filesdifferent in paper size and having similitude relation is described inthe index file. Specifically, for example, the number of layoutdefinition files having similitude relation, the file names of thelayout definition files having similitude relation, and the like aredescribed in the index file. A file with extension “.eff” is a digitalimage file for representing a default image to be combined with asubject image based on the layout definition file (default image file).A file with extension “.usf” contains a display apparatus thumbnail. Thedisplay apparatus thumbnail is a thumbnail image file for displaying thelayout defined in the layout definition file on a display of the printer203, a personal computer, etc. A file with extension “.ctf” contains acamera thumbnail. The camera thumbnail is a thumbnail image file fordisplaying the layout defined in the layout definition file and defaultimage on the LCD 221 of the DSC 202 as an image. The camera thumbnail isa file used to select the layout definition data to be associated with adigital image file in the DSC 202 and is a file not packaged. Thedefault image file, the display apparatus thumbnail, and the camerathumbnail are stored in the folder of the same name as the file name ofthe index file describing the file name of the layout definition filedefining the layout displayed by the display apparatus thumbnail and thecamera thumbnail. That is, the display apparatus thumbnail and thecamera thumbnail are associated with the index file by the name of thefolder in which the display apparatus thumbnail and the camera thumbnailare stored. A file with extension “.ust” is an associating file. Theassociating file is described later. A file with extension “.pkg” is apackage file. The package file is also described later.

FIG. 27 is a schematic drawing to show the contents of a layoutdefinition file 261. FIG. 28 (A) is a schematic drawing to describe animage displayed using the layout definition file 261. FIG. 28 (B) is aplan view to show a postcard 263 printed using the layout definitionfile 261. The layout of the subject image is defined in the layoutdefinition file 261 by a script. The script defines position informationto place the subject image on print paper, information to rotate thesubject image and place the subject image on print paper, information toscale up or down the subject image, etc., so that they can beinterpreted uniquely in the printer 203, etc. Specifically, for example,the script describes the paper size (for example, “postcard”),information to define the print paper orientation (for example,“portrait”), information to define the frame for placing the subjectimage (subject image frame) (for example, upper left coordinates of theframe “(x1, y1)” and lower right coordinates of the frame “(x2, y2)”),information to define rotation when the subject image is placed in theframe (for example, “rotate 90 degrees counterclockwise”), etc.

Information to specify the default image to be combined with the subjectimage (for example, “birthday.eff” as the file name of the default imagefile), information to define the frame for placing the default image(for example, upper left coordinates of the frame “(x1, y1)” and lowerright coordinates of the frame “(x2, y2)”), information to define an αchannel (for example, tag of α channel), etc., may be described in thelayout definition file 261 by a script. An α channel 262 may be storedin the layout definition file 261. The α channel is information definingpixels of which of two images to reflect on the composite image for eachpixel when the two images are superposed. Selecting the layoutdefinition file 261 in which the information to specify the defaultimage is described by the script is equivalent to selecting the defaultimage.

In the description that follows, the layout definition file, the indexfile, the default image file, the associating file, and the displayapparatus thumbnail are collectively called layout file set.

Next, the package file will be discussed. The package file describedhere is an example for packaging combinations of digital image files andlayout file sets into a single package file.

FIG. 29 is a drawing to show an example of the file format of thepackage file. As shown in the figure, the package file is made up of aHeader section, an IFD section, a USD section, an additional informationsection, a thumbnail section, an EFF section, and a JPG section. Headerinformation of an identifier indicating that the file is a package file,the major version number of the file format, the minor version number, apointer of “0th IFD” subsection described later, etc., is described inthe Header section. The IFD section is a section to store accessinformation for accessing the files stored in the package file and ismade up of five subsections of “0th IFD” to “4th IFD.” The subsectionsare described later. One or more layout definition files are stored inthe USD section; one or more index files and one or more associatingfiles are stored in the additional information section; one or moredisplay apparatus thumbnails are stored in the thumbnail section; one ormore default image files are stored in the EFF section; and one or moredigital image files are stored in the JPG section.

A separate package file may be created for each of combinations ofdigital image files and layout file sets. For example, the address todownload a default image file and/or a display apparatus thumbnail maybe described in the layout definition file so as to skip packaging thedefault image file and/or the display apparatus thumbnail. If theprinter 203 can be connected to a communication network, the printer 203may download the default image file and/or the display apparatusthumbnail based on the address from a server on the communicationnetwork at the printing time, and the size of the package file can belessened. If other files are not necessary, only a digital image fileand a layout definition file may be packaged.

FIG. 30 (A), FIG. 30 (B), FIG. 31 (C), FIG. 31 (D), and FIG. 32 (E) aredrawings to show the formats of the “0th IFD” to “4th IFD” subsections.Here, the “0th IFD” subsection shown in FIG. 30 (A) is taken as anexample in the description. “Number of layout definition files” is afield indicating the number of layout definition files stored in thepackage file. “Pointer to offset group of layout definition files” is afield storing the pointer pointing to the position of the top element of“offset to layout definition file 1” to “offset to layout definitionfile N” in the subsection. For example, to access the first layoutdefinition file stored, the “offset to layout definition file 1” isaccessed based on the “pointer to offset group of layout definitionfiles” and the first layout definition file is accessed using the offsetvalue stored in the “offset to layout definition file 1.” To access thenumber of bytes or the name (file name) of each layout definition file,similar description applies. “Pointer to 1st IFD” is a field storing thepointer to access the “1th IFD” subsection.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart to show a flow of output processing of a packagefile.

At step S2105, selection of a layout file set is accepted. Specifically,for example, a screen 271 shown in FIG. 34 (A) is output to the LCD 221for requesting the user to select a layout file set. If the right end orthe left end of the cross key 234 is pressed on the screen 271, the DSC202 displays the camera thumbnails associated with the layout file setrecorded in the removable memory 223 in order. The user pushes thepushbutton switch 236 in a state in which the camera thumbnailrepresenting the layout to be associated with a digital image to bephotographed is displayed. Accordingly, the layout file set is selected.

At step S2110, the user presses the shutter switch 231 for commandingthe DSC 202 to take a photograph. When the shutter switch 231 ispressed, the DSC 202 creates a digital image file representing thesubject image and associates the digital image file with the layout fileset selected at step S2105 for storage in the removable memory 223.Specifically, first the digital image file is stored in a predeterminedfolder. Next, the associating file describing the file name of the indexfile in the currently selected layout file set is stored in the samefolder as the digital image file. The associating file is given the samefile name as the file name of the digital image file. Consequently, thedigital image file is stored in the removable memory 223 in associationwith the currently selected layout file set. The file with extension“.ust” shown in FIG. 26 is the above-described associating file. Forexample, a file name of “daen_(—)0.usm” is described in the associatingfile “0001.ust,” for example. That is, the digital image filerepresenting the subject image and the associating file are associatedwith each other by their file names, and the associating file and theindex file are associated with each other by the file name described inthe associating file. The index file and the layout definition file areassociated with each other by the file name of the layout definitionfile described in the index file. As the files are associated with eachother, a plurality of layout definition files different in paper sizeand having similitude relation are associated with one digital imagefile. If the digital image file is associated with the plurality oflayout definition files, the relative positional relationship betweenthe digital image representing the subject and the default image can beprinted according to a given layout if the print size differs.

At step S2115, selection of an output digital image file is accepted.Specifically, for example, if the right end or the left end of the crosskey 234 is pressed on the screen 272 shown in FIG. 34 (B), the DSC 202displays the digital images represented by the digital image filesrecorded in the removable memory 223 in order. The user selects thedigital image file by displaying the target digital image. Afterselecting the digital image file, the user pushes the pushbutton switch233 to enter an output command.

At step S2120, the DSC 202 creates a single package file from thedigital image file selected by the user and the layout file setassociated with the digital image file. Therefore, the digital imagefile and the layout definition file are packaged into the single packagefile. If the processing at step S2120 is the second or later, packagingis performed by adding to the package file provided at the precedingprocessing at step S2120. At the time, the file names including thedirectory name are stored in the names (file names) of display apparatusthumbnails 1 to N in “2th IFD” to maintain the associating. The DSC 202packages the layout file set associated with the selected digital imagefile, so that the user may select only the digital image file atpackaging and need not select any layout file set. Therefore, the laborand time for packaging can be decreased.

At step S2125, the selected digital image file is stored in theremovable memory 223 without being packaged.

At step S2130, if selection of the output layout set and the digitalimage file is complete, the user pushes a predetermined pushbuttonswitch to enter an end command, and the DSC 202 proceeds to step S2135.If the selection is not complete, the DSC 202 returns to step S2105 andrepeats the processing until the selection is complete.

At step S2135, the package file is written into the removable memory223. Accordingly, the package file is stored. When the package file isstored in the removable memory 223, if the DSC 202 and the printer 203are placed in a distributed manner, for example, and cannot be connecteddirectly by a cable, the package file can be transferred.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart to show a flow of display processing of theoutput package file. It is assumed that the user detaches the removablememory 223 from the DSC 202 and attaches the removable memory 223 to theprinter 203 before the following processing is performed:

At step S2205, selection of the digital image file to print is accepted.Specifically, for example, a menu 281 shown in FIG. 36 is output to theLCD 221 for requesting the user to select the digital image file. Themenu 281 is displayed as a predetermined option is selected in apredetermined high-level menu. When the user selects the predeterminedoption, the printer 203 reads the package file from the removable memory223. Accordingly, the package file is input to the printer 203. Next,all names (file names) of the digital image files are read from the readpackage file. Next, the file names are listed as shown in the menu 281.If digital image files different from the digital image files packagedinto the package file are stored in the removable memory 223, it isadvisable to also list the file names of the different digital imagefiles. The user operates the up switch 242 or the down switch 244 in theoperation section 248 to display the target file name, and presses thedetermination switch 245.

At step S2210, the printer 203 reads the digital image file of the filename selected at step S2205 from the package file to acquire the digitalimage file.

At step S2215, the index file of the same file name as the digital imagefile selected at step S2205 is acquired.

At step S2220, the layout definition file specified by the fetched indexfile and the digital image file representing a default image areacquired.

At step S2225, the digital image represented by the acquired digitalimage file is printed based on the acquired layout definition file.

The printer 203 of the embodiment prints the digital image file based onthe layout definition file previously associated in the DSC 202, but thelayout definition file used to print may be able to be changed in theprinter 203. At this time, it is advisable to take out the displayapparatus thumbnails in order from the package file and display thethumbnail on the display. This enables the user to easily select thelayout definition file.

According to the image processing system 201 of the second embodimentdescribed above, the DSC 203 outputs the digital image file and thelayout file set made up of a plurality of files as a package file. Thus,for example, if the user wants to distribute the output digital imagefile and layout file set to friends in such a manner that they arecopied into a flexible disk or are attached to electronic mail, thedistributing time and labor can be decreased because the digital imagefile and the layout file set are packaged into a single package file.Further, an error of forgetting about copying one of the files or thelike can be prevented. Therefore, portability is improved.

When the package file is stored in the removable memory 223, it isadvisable to also store the digital image file stored in the packagefile in a state in which the digital image file is not packaged.Accordingly, the digital image file not packaged can be distributed to aperson who does not have a printer 203.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

In the description of a third embodiment, the case where a package fileis transmitted to a communication line is taken as an example. Parts inthe third embodiment substantially identical with those in the secondembodiment will not be discussed again.

FIG. 37 is a schematic drawing to show an image processing system 204according to the third embodiment of the invention. As shown in thefigure, the image processing system 204 is made up of a DSC 206 as animage output apparatus and a personal computer (PC) 205 and a printer207 connected to the PC 205 as an image display apparatus. The DSC 206includes an output section configured in conformity with USB (UniversalSerial Bus) standard as output means and likewise the PC 205 includes aninput section configured in conformity with the USB standard as inputmeans; the DSC 206 and the PC 205 are connected so that they cancommunicate with each other over a communication cable conforming to theUSB standard. An image edit program is stored on a hard disk included inthe PC 205. The image edit program is a program for executing processingof unpackaging a package file, display processing of the digital imagerepresented by a digital image file on a display based on a layoutdefinition file, processing of causing the printer 207 to print adigital image based on a layout definition file, etc.

The operation of the image processing system 204 is as follows:

The DSC 206 transmits a package file to the communication cable as acommunication line. Specifically, it sends a signal representing thepackage file from the output section to the communication cable inaccordance with the system defined in the USB standard. The PC 205receives the signal representing the package file from the communicationcable at the input section and stores the package file on the hard diskincluded in the PC 205. If the user enters a command to execute theimage edit program, the PC 205 executes the image edit program, acquiresthe digital image file selected by the user from the package file, andacquires the layout file set associated with the selected digital imagefile. Next, the PC 205 displays the digital image represented by thedigital image file on a display included in the PC 205 based on thelayout file set. When the user enters a print command, the PC 205generates print data based on the digital image file and the layout fileset and causes the printer 207 to print the digital image. To acquirefiles, the PC 205 may collectively acquire all packaged files forstorage on the hard disk or may acquire a file each time the file isselected.

According to the image processing system 204 of the third embodimentdescribed above, the package file can be transferred via thecommunication cable and removable memory need not be attached, detached,etc., so that the time and labor for transferring the package file canbe decreased.

When the user wants to move the digital image file and the layoutdefinition file to another direction or distribute the files to anotherpersonal computer, for example, in the PC 205 after reception, the filesare a single file as a package file and thus can be handled easily.

The embodiment has been described by taking as the communication linethe communication cable conforming to the USB standard as an example,but the DSC 206 and the PC 205 may be connected through a communicationnetwork and the communication line may be a LAN, a telephone line, or aradio line of Bluetooth, etc., for example.

In the third embodiment, the image display apparatus is made up of thePC 205 and the printer 207, but may be made up of only the DSC 206 andthe PC 205 if display only is needed.

FOURTH EMBODIMENT

A fourth embodiment of the invention is a layout edit program as adisplay data processing program for setting the use limitation in apackage file. The layout edit program of the fourth embodiment isprovided by adding a function of setting the use limitation to thelayout edit program of the first embodiment.

FIG. 38 is a data structure drawing of a single package file createdbased on content files representing image elements and a script file asa layout control file for controlling the layout of the image elements.

A protect flag as use limitation data stored in a header of a packagefile is a flag for setting inhibition or permission of use of thepackage file for any other purpose than merge display. Specifically, forexample, the protect flag is a flag for setting inhibition or permissionof editing a script file, taking out a content file as a single bodyfrom the package file for storage, or transferring a content file takenout as a single body to another system, for example. The minimum-unitinformation represented by the use limitation data may be represented asdata of two bits or more rather than a flag.

A watermark flag (WM flag) stored in the header of the sectioncorresponding to each content file is a flag indicating whether or not awatermark as a digital watermark is added to the image represented bythe content file.

A password as control data stored in the header of the package file isinformation referenced by a program for removing the watermark of eachcontent file stored in the package file. The program for removing thewatermark can remove the watermark added to each image element in thepackage file only if the password of an appropriate value is stored inthe package file. Therefore, even if any content file is taken out as asingle body from the package file and is displayed as a single body, ifa watermark is added to the image element represented by the contentfile, displaying the image element with the watermark removed is madeimpossible.

When the layout edit program converts the files making up a templatesuch as a script file and content files into one package file as theuser specifies “save with package,” the layout edit program requests theuser to set the protect flag and select addition or no addition of awatermark to the image element in each content file. For example, whenthe user causes an event of yes to occur in response to display of amessage of “Do you inhibit secondary use of content file?” a water markis added to the image element and the watermark flag is set to ON. As amethod of adding a watermark to each image element, a method of changingthe pixel value of the image element based on a predetermined rule isknown.

For example, when the user causes an event of yes to occur in responseto display of a message of “Do you inhibit edit of template?” theprotect flag is set to ON. ON of the protect flag corresponds to“inhibition” and OFF corresponds to “permission.”

FIFTH EMBODIMENT

A fifth embodiment of the invention is a display data processing programfor managing the use of a package file in response to the descriptionsof the use limitation data described above. The display data program ofthe fifth embodiment is provided by adding a function of managing theuse of a package file in response to the descriptions of the uselimitation data to the layout edit program of the first embodiment. Acomputer for executing the display data program is connected to aprinter and a photo image represented by a user file can be merged intoa package file input to the computer for print display.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart to show a flow of management processing of theuse of a package file by the display data processing program.

To begin with, the user is requested to select a template used for anyother purpose than merge display (S3000). That is, the user is requestedto select the package file into which the files making up the templateused outside control of a script are packaged.

Next, the protect flag of the selected package file is referenced(S3010). If the protect flag is set to ON, a warning message isdisplayed and the use of the selected template for any other purposethan merge display is inhibited (S3020). That is, the package file isnot unpackaged and individual use of the data corresponding to thescript file, the content files, etc., converted into the package file isinhibited. For example, editing the script file to change the layout ofthe copyrighted image element represented by the content file orextracting only the copyrighted content files for storage is inhibited.Even if the protect flag is ON, if the script file, the content files,etc., provided by unpackaging the package file are not stored innonvolatile memory such as a hard disk or removable memory, temporarystoring the script file, the content files, etc., provided byunpackaging the package file only in volatile work memory may bepermitted.

If the protect file is set to OFF, the selected package file isunpackaged (S3030) and individual use of the files making up thetemplate such as the script file and the content files is permitted(S3040). That is, specifically, for example, a user command to copy thecontent file provided by unpackaging the package file into any directoryspecified by the user, to transmit the content file to a remote locationwith the content file attached to electronic mail, to edit the script,or to replace the content file corresponding to the image element whoselayout is controlled by the script file with a different content file isaccepted and processing corresponding to the accepted command isexecuted. The use limitation data may be a flag for individuallyinhibiting or permitting the use modes rather than a flag forcollectively inhibiting or permitting the use modes.

SIXTH EMBODIMENT

A sixth embodiment of the invention is a display data management methodof downloading a package file forming a template from a server to a userterminal and making it possible to produce merge display using thepackage file in the user terminal while preventing illegal use.

FIG. 40 is a sequence chart to describe the display data managementmethod of the sixth embodiment.

The user terminal may be not only the print system of the firstembodiment, but also a portable information terminal such as a mobiletelephone with a camera not directly connected to a printer. The servermay be implemented as a general-purpose personal computer for executingthe layout edit program of the fourth embodiment or may be a dedicatedcomputer including a large-capacity storage section for opening packagefiles corresponding to a large number of templates to the public.

To begin with, the user makes a request for a template from a specificprogram in the user terminal (S3210). Specifically, for example, theuser accesses a predetermined URL on the Internet using the specificprogram in the user terminal, causes the server to transmit a templateselection page to the user terminal, and transmits the URL storing apredetermined template to the server as a response to the page. At thistime, the server may reject the template request by a program differentfrom specific programs distributed only to specific users.

The server receiving the template request transmits the package fileforming the template selected by the user to the user terminal (S3220).At this time, the data structure of the package file transmitted by theserver is the same as the data structure of the package file describedin the fourth embodiment.

In the user terminal as the reception terminal, a user ID is stored inthe header of the received package file (see FIG. 38) by the templaterequesting program just after the template is received (S3230). The userID as identification information proper to the user terminal may be thepassword set by the user when installing the template requestingprogram, may be the proper identification number preset in the userterminal, or may be the telephone number if the user terminal is amobile telephone. As the user ID is thus stored in the package file justafter distribution, when the package file is used, it is made possibleto make a comparison between the user ID of the terminal using thepackage file and the user ID stored in the package file, so that it ismade possible to allow only specific users to use the package file.

The user ID proper to the user terminal to receive the package file maybe transmitted from the user terminal to the server, which may thenstore the user ID in the package file and transmit the package file withthe user ID stored therein to the user terminal.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart to show a flow of processing of merging an imageelement into a template for display in a user terminal.

To begin with, the user is requested to select a template used for mergeprint (S3100). That is, the user is requested to select at least one ofpackage files forming template received from the server and previouslystored.

Next, whether or not the user ID stored in the header of the selectedpackage file (see FIG. 38) and the user ID proper to the user terminalmatch is checked (S3110). If it is assumed that the package filereceived at a specific terminal from the server is transferred to adifferent terminal, the user ID stored in the header of the package filejust after reception from the server and the user ID proper to the userterminal checking two IDs do not match.

If the two user IDs do not match as a result of checking the user IDs, awarning message is displayed and use of the selected template isinhibited (S3120). That is, not only merge display using the selectedtemplate, but also unpackaging the template and individual use of thedata contained in the template are inhibited.

If the two user IDs match as a result of checking the user IDs, thepackage file is unpackaged and the WM flag of each content file ischecked (S3130). If the WM flag is ON, the watermark is removed based onthe password in the package file (S3140). Specifically, for example, apredetermined program for removing the watermark (which will behereinafter referred to as removal program) is started, the password inthe package file is input to the removal program, and the watermarkadded to the image element represented by the content file is removed bythe removal program. As a method of removing the watermark, for example,the pixel value representing the image element represented by thecontent file may be changed based on the rule corresponding to the ruleadding the watermark.

Next, the user is requested to select the user file representing theimage element to be merged into the template (S3150). At this time, theselected user file may be an image file representing a photo imagepreviously input to a computer or may be an image file representing aphoto image taken by a mobile telephone with a camera if the userterminal is a mobile telephone with a camera. The user file may beselected before the template is selected.

Next, the image element selected by the user is merged into the templateselected by the user for screen display or print display (S3160).Specifically, the image element represented by the content file and theimage element represented by the user file selected by the user aredisplayed based on the script file forming the template selected by theuser.

Although the embodiments of the invention have been described using theembodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited tothe specific embodiments thereof and various modifications and changesmay be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of theinvention, of course.

1. An electronic file manipulation method used to manipulate an electronic file, said method comprising: a packaging step of packaging a selected file and at least one related file related to the file into a single file; and an unpackaging step of unpackaging the package provided by packaging the files into the selected file and the related file.
 2. An electronic file manipulation method used to manipulate an electronic file, said method comprising: a packaging step of packaging a selected file and a file related to the file into a single file.
 3. An electronic file manipulation method used to manipulate an electronic file, said method comprising: a file analysis step of analyzing a package file into which a selected file and a file related to the file are packaged as a single file, as the selected file and the file related to the file.
 4. A layout edit apparatus for editing a layout of an image area for displaying an image, said apparatus comprising: layout edit means for placing at least one image and at least one merge image area into which an image can be merged and editing a layout; and file manipulation means for manipulating a file using a method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said file manipulation means is file manipulation means for adopting an information file containing information concerning placement of the image and the image area in the layout created and information concerning an image file used with the layout as the selected file and at least one file used with the layout as the related file.
 5. A layout edit apparatus for editing a layout of an image area for displaying an image, said apparatus comprising: layout edit means for placing at least one image and at least one merge image area into which an image can be merged and editing a layout; and file output means for outputting an information file containing information concerning placement of the image and the image area in the layout created and information concerning an image file used with the layout and at least one file used with the layout as a single package file.
 6. An image processing system comprising an image output apparatus for outputting a digital image file and a layout definition file for defining a layout to display a digital image represented by the digital image file and an image display apparatus for displaying the digital image represented by the output digital image file based on the layout definition file, characterized in that: said image output apparatus has packaging means for packaging the digital image file and the layout definition file into a single package file and output means for outputting the single package file, thereby outputting the digital image file and the layout definition file, and that said image display apparatus has input means for inputting the output package file and unpackaging means for acquiring the digital image file and the layout definition file from the input package file.
 7. An image processing method for transferring a digital image file and a layout definition file between an image output apparatus for outputting a digital image file and a layout definition file for defining a layout to display a digital image represented by the digital image file and an image display apparatus for displaying the digital image represented by the output digital image file based on the layout definition file, characterized by: a packaging step of packaging the digital image file and the layout definition file into a single package file and an output step of outputting the single package file, thereby outputting the digital image file and the layout definition file in said image output apparatus; and an input step of inputting the output package file and an unpackaging step of acquiring the digital image file and the layout definition file from the input package file as unpackaging in said image display apparatus.
 8. A layout edit method, characterized by: a user interface step of accepting a command to edit a layout of an image element in a predetermined area on a screen; a layout edit step of editing a layout control file for controlling the layout of the image element based on the command accepted in said user interface step; and an output step of converting a content file representing all image elements laid out in the predetermined area and a layout control file for controlling the layout of all image elements laid out in the predetermined area into a single package file and outputting the package file.
 9. A layout edit apparatus characterized by: user interface means for accepting a command to edit a layout of an image element in a predetermined area on a screen; layout edit means for editing a layout control file for controlling the layout of the image element based on the command accepted by said user interface means; and output means for converting a content file representing all image elements laid out in the predetermined area and a layout control file for controlling the layout of all image elements laid out in the predetermined area into a single package file and outputting the package file.
 10. A display data processing method characterized by: a storage step of storing files making up a template; a selection step of selecting an image element to be merged into the template; and an output step of converting the files making up the template and a user file representing the image element selected in said selection step into a single file and outputting the file.
 11. A display data processing apparatus characterized by: storage means for storing files making up a template; selection means for selecting an image element to be merged into the template; and output means for converting the files making up the template and a user file representing the image element selected by said selection means into a single file and outputting the file.
 12. A display data processing method characterized by: a conversion step of converting a content file representing an image element and a layout control file for controlling a layout of the image element into a single package file; and a use limitation step of storing use limitation data to permit or inhibit individual use of content data contained in the package file representing the image element or layout control data contained in the package file for controlling the layout of the image element in the package file.
 13. A display data processing apparatus characterized by: conversion means for converting a content file representing an image element and a layout control file for controlling a layout of the image element into a single package file; and use limitation means for storing use limitation data to permit or inhibit individual use of data contained in the package file representing the image element or data contained in the package file for controlling the layout of the image element in the package file.
 14. A display data processing method characterized by: a display step of reading a package file storing content data representing an image element, layout control data for controlling a layout of the image element, and use limitation data and displaying the content data under the control of the layout control data; an individual use step of reading the package file and using the content data or the layout control data individually; and a management step of managing access to the package file and permitting or inhibiting the use in response to the use descriptions and the use limitation data.
 15. A display data processing apparatus characterized by: display means for reading a package file storing content data representing an image element, layout control data for controlling a layout of the image element, and use limitation data and displaying the content data under the control of the layout control data; individual use means for reading the package file and using the content data or the layout control data individually; and management means for managing access to the package file and permitting or inhibiting the use in response to the use descriptions and the use limitation data.
 16. A file data structure characterized by: a first area in which content data representing an image element is recorded; a second area in which layout control data for controlling a layout of the image element is recorded; and a third area in which use limitation data to limit use of the content data or the layout control data is recorded.
 17. A display data management method characterized by the steps of: distributing a package file recording content data representing an image element, layout control data for controlling a layout of the image element, and use limitation data to a reception terminal through a network; storing identification information proper to the reception terminal in the package file in response to distribution of the package file; and making a comparison between information proper to a use terminal and the identification information stored in the package file and permitting or inhibiting use of the content data or the layout control data contained in the package file by the use terminal in response to the comparison result. 